Microchip Launches New Configurable Embedded Controllers
Leading semiconductor manufacturer Microchip Technology Inc. MCHP launched the MEC14XX family of highly configurable low-power embedded controllers, designed to meet the needs of x86-based notebook and tablet platform designers.
The MEC14XX family is scalable and one of the first to support both Intel's new Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI) and the existing Low Pin Count interface ("LPC") to enable communication with the system host. This is also Microchip's first embedded controller family designed for general x86 computing, which boasts its award-winning MPLAB development tool support.
The devices facilitate a seamless migration of intellectual property reuse across multiple x86 computing platform architectures, such as Intel iCore, Intel Atom and AMD-based systems. Also, to ensure a smooth evolution of the mobile computing industry to the new interface and lower-voltage designs, the MEC14XX devices also offer a flexible arrangement that enables the configuration of multiple I/O signals to support either 3.3V or 1.8V. This removes the need for external voltage translators, thus reducing the system bill-of-materials cost.
The LPC interface, which is currently in the market, has served the computing market for over 15 years. However, it is struggling to keep up as computing platforms go on transitioning to lower voltages and devices transition to smaller lithographies. The new eSPI interface is well-suited to meet the market’s future needs.
Microchip is committed to staying ahead of the industry in defining, implementing and validating the new eSPI system interface.
Microchip presently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Other stocks that look promising include Applied Optoelectronics, Inc AAOI carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) along with eMagin Corp. EMAN and Pixelworks, Inc PXLW, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
MICROCHIP TECH (MCHP): Free Stock Analysis Report
EMAGIN CORP (EMAN): Free Stock Analysis Report
PIXELWORKS INC (PXLW): Free Stock Analysis Report
APPLIED OPTOELE (AAOI): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
